If you’re looking for a deliciously light and flavorful seafood dish, this Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a wonderful combination of tender cod fillets infused with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a hint of herbs that makes every bite feel fresh and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding, bringing a restaurant-quality meal right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe, you only need a handful of essential ingredients that work beautifully together. Each plays a key role—bringing brightness, richness, or just the right touch of seasoning to the dish.
- Cod fillets: Fresh, firm fish that flakes perfectly when baked; choose good quality for the best taste.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps the seasonings stick to the fish.
- Garlic: Minced cloves give a punch of savory flavor that pairs effortlessly with lemon.
- Lemon: Both sliced and zested to infuse brightness and subtle tanginess throughout the dish.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering the delicate fish.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for a mild heat and earthiness.
- Paprika: Offers gentle smokiness and a touch of color that makes the fillets look irresistible.
- Dried oregano: Adds a herbaceous note that complements the garlic and lemon perfectly.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped to sprinkle on top for a refreshing finish and pretty green contrast.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and drizzled to lend a luscious, silky mouthfeel.
How to Make Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless. This simple step will ensure your cod cooks evenly and slides off the pan beautifully once done.
Step 2: Ready the Cod Fillets
Using a paper towel, gently pat each cod fillet dry. Removing excess moisture helps the seasonings cling better and promotes a tender but firm texture once baked. Arrange the fillets spaced evenly on your prepared baking sheet, giving them enough room to cook through perfectly.
Step 3: Mix the Flavorful Coating
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. This simple yet vibrant mixture is the heart of our Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe. It wraps the fish in layers of flavor that are fresh, slightly smoky, and irresistibly aromatic.
Step 4: Brush and Drizzle
Brush this zesty blend over each cod fillet evenly, ensuring every bite bursts with garlicky lemon goodness. Then lightly drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the fillets, adding richness that balances the bright citrus perfectly. Top each fillet with a lemon slice for an extra pop of lemon essence while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know the fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the lemon slices are slightly caramelized. This quick baking time locks in moisture, keeping the cod tender and juicy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the cod to add a burst of color and fresh herbal notes, completing your Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe. Now it’s ready to bring to the table and enjoy!
How to Serve Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe
Garnishes
While the fresh parsley is the classic finish, consider a few extra touches like a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a twist of extra lemon zest to brighten the plate. A few thin lemon wedges on the side invite everyone to add a little more citrus punch according to their taste.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or herbed quinoa. For a comforting meal, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery couscous work beautifully to soak up every bit of the flavorful juices from the fish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving your Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe on a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside grilled asparagus elevates the meal visually and nutritionally. For a festive touch, serve in individual shallow bowls and drizzle with a little extra garlic butter sauce warmed gently just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days, making for a quick, tasty meal the next day.
Freezing
While fresh cod is best enjoyed right away, you can freeze cooked cod wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or sealed freezer bags. For best results, use within one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out, gently warm the cod in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, use a microwave on low power in short bursts, covering the fish to maintain moisture and avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the cod completely and pat it dry before preparing the recipe to avoid excess moisture that can affect baking.
Is it necessary to use fresh lemon slices?
Fresh lemon slices add essential brightness and a lovely aroma while baking, but if you don’t have fresh lemons, a squeeze of lemon juice over the cooked fish can also work well.
Can I substitute other herbs for oregano?
Yes, dried thyme or dill are excellent alternatives that complement the lemon and garlic flavors beautifully.
What if I prefer less garlic?
You can reduce the garlic amount to suit your taste—start with one or two cloves and adjust as you become more comfortable with the flavor.
How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?
The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork, looks opaque all the way through, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the simple combination of lemon, garlic, and tender cod baked to perfection. This Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe is not just easy to make but also incredibly satisfying, offering bright and warm flavors with every bite. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and add it to your go-to recipe collection—it’s a keeper for seafood lovers everywhere!
Print
Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring moist cod fillets seasoned with a zesty lemon and garlic mixture, baked to perfection and garnished with fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, this recipe yields tender, flaky fish infused with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Seasoning Mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Additional Ingredients
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleaning easier.
- Prepare Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Place the fillets evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.
- Apply Seasoning: Brush the olive oil and spice mixture evenly over the top of each cod fillet, ensuring all surfaces are coated for maximum flavor.
- Add Butter and Lemon: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the cod fillets, then top each fillet with a slice or two of lemon to infuse bright citrus notes during baking.
- Bake the Cod: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked cod from the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcook the cod to keep it moist and tender; cooking times may vary slightly based on fillet thickness.
- Substitute fresh oregano for dried if preferred for a brighter herb flavor.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
- Use parchment paper or lightly oil the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently to preserve texture.
